Mohammed Rafique was carried off the field with a broken nose as Bangladesh suffered an ignominious 8-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the second match of the Croco Motors ODI Series at the Harare Sports Club today (Tuesday).

Rafique was hurt when he collided with Zimbabwe’s top-scorer Vusi Sibanda (93 not out) in his follow-through. The impact left the veteran Bangladesh spinner bleeding from the nose and he was immediately taken to a hospital for X-ray, according to team management sources.

The loss ended Bangladesh’s 8-game winning streak against the home side. Batting first Bangladesh never recovered from the dismissals of openers Shahriar Nafees Ahmed and Mehrab Hossain (Jr.) with just 5 on the board. Rafique’s innings of 40 and a gritty 27 from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim just about enabled the Tigers to cross 150 (153 in 46 overs) on a reportedly placid wicket.

Zimbabwe were never in any hurry but Bangladesh lost a golden opportunity to put some early pressure when Terrence Duffin (34) on zero was dropped by Mehrab in Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s opening over. Zimbabwe reached home in 35.2 overs. The teams now head for back to back games on February 9 and 10.

Mohammed Rafique was carried off the field with a broken nose as Bangladesh suffered an ignominious 8-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the second match of the Croco Motors ODI Series at the Harare Sports Club today (Tuesday).

Rafique was hurt when he collided with ’s top-scorer Vusi Sibanda (93 not out) in his follow-through. The impact left the veteran lace>Bangladesh spinner bleeding from the nose and he was immediately taken to a hospital for X-ray, according to team management sources.

Mohammed Rafique was carried off the field with a broken nose as Bangladesh suffered an ignominious 8-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in the second match of the Croco Motors ODI Series at the Harare Sports Club today (Tuesday).

Rafique was hurt when he collided with Zimbabwe’s top-scorer Vusi Sibanda (93 not out) in his follow-through. The impact left the veteran Bangladesh spinner bleeding from the nose and he was immediately taken to a hospital for X-ray, according to team management sources.

The loss ended Bangladesh’s 8-game winning streak against the home side. Batting first Bangladesh never recovered from the dismissals of openers Shahriar Nafees Ahmed and Mehrab Hossain (Jr.) with just 5 on the board. Rafique’s innings of 40 and a gritty 27 from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim just about enabled the Tigers to cross 150 (153 in 46 overs) on a reportedly placid wicket.

Zimbabwe were never in any hurry but Bangladesh lost a golden opportunity to put some early pressure when Terrence Duffin (34) on zero was dropped by Mehrab in Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s opening over. Zimbabwe reached home in 35.2 overs. The teams now head for back to back games on February 9 and 10.

It may be a blessing in disguise for Bangladesh as we can try Sharif and Taposh. But I wish Rafique gets well soon. TO BC staff: The front page pic is wrongly labeled, it is not Rafique, he is not right handed.

ahare rafique. hope he gets back soon. some people were saying that rafique should not be in the team. razzak is much better because he is a better batsman than rafique and rafique lost his form. i hope rafique was able to answer them yesterday with his 40 runs.

Good news, no fracture was found and doctor advised 24 hour rest for Rafiq. From TigerCricket

Quote:

Rafique relief for Tigers
TigerCricket.com Report
07-February-2007

The touring Bangladesh team heaved a sigh of relief at the news that ace left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique has not fractured his nose following the collision with Zimbabwe batsman Vusi Sibanda during the 2nd ODI of the Croco Motors series yesterday (Tuesday).

Team management sources confirmed today that Rafique was feeling a lot better and no fracture was found in the X-ray report. But he had suffered some heavy bruising on the nose which had left him bleeding on Tuesday.

The collision occurred after Rafique had bowled just one delivery in his eighth over and he was immediately rushed to a hospital in Harare for X-ray. The veteran again saw a doctor today morning and was advised 24 hours rest. A final report on his condition is expected tomorrow (Thursday).

The last two matches of the 4-game series are on February 9 and 10. The series is currently tied 1-1.